The effect of radiographic contrast media on leukocyte motility.

Abstract

Studies describing the effects of radiographic contrast media (RCM) in leukocyte chemotaxis have been contradictory. No studies have been performed after in-vivo exposure. The authors assess the effect of RCM on leukocytes following in-vivo exposure. Seventeen patients were studied after intraarterial bolus injection of 75 mL of iohexol (300 mg/mL) or iotrolan (300 mg/mL), 30 minutes and 24 hours postinjection; chemotaxis was assessed using an ex-vivo whole-blood under-agarose method. With iohexol, there was a profound reduction in chemotaxis compared with the preinjection state (P = .001) at 30 minutes. No effect, however, was seen at 24 hours. With iotrolan, no significant reduction in chemotaxis was seen at 30 minutes or at 24 hours. Radiographic contrast media have differing effects on leukocyte chemotaxis. This may be of significance in the selection of appropriate RCM in certain patients.